Consultant (Perception study: Migrants – Refugees – Host Communities Europe)

The research will explore the knowledge, perceptions and practices of communities related the migration and refugee situation. It will particularly seek to understand community sentiments and experiences towards community reception, cultural practices and power dynamics, conflicts and tensions, opportunities of integration / cohesion and inclusion between host communities, migrants, and refugees.

The findings and recommendations of the study will be used by the National Societies and IFRC, to understand the relationship between community dynamics, perceptions, and trust from one side, and common collective behaviours and sentiments of xenophobia and issues related to social stigma, to adapt operational planning and identify appropriate and effective interventions, advocacy, and messages.

Job Purpose

The research will explore the knowledge, perceptions and practices of communities related the migration and refugee situation. It will particularly seek to understand community sentiments and experiences towards community reception, cultural practices and power dynamics, conflicts and tensions, opportunities of integration / cohesion and inclusion between host communities, migrants, and refugees.

The findings and recommendations of the study will be used by the National Societies and IFRC, to understand the relationship between community dynamics, perceptions, and trust from one side, and common collective behaviours and sentiments of xenophobia and issues related to social stigma, to adapt operational planning and identify appropriate and effective interventions, advocacy, and messages.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The study aims to understand:

• Knowledge and understanding of the migration phenomenon) causes, consequences, etc.)
• Knowledge and Perceptions related to migration, migrants and refugees. For example, perception about their behaviour, cultures, knowledge of new community / country, their openness to integration and their identity.
• Barriers and enablers for effective integration, as well as ideas or preferences for activities that could support integration/acceptance.
• Ways to ensure community participation and ownership in designing and delivering community-led integration activities.
• Understanding ‘lived experiences’ (how to engage lived experienced migrants and refugees to influence decision-making for new Migration policies)

Methodology

This research activity will be supported by an external research consultant and implemented in collaboration with National Society staff and volunteers. The research will use mixed method approach, combining a quantitative survey and a qualitative focus group discussion. A consultancy will be contracted to coordinate the implementation, but the field work will be carried out by the National Societies with its volunteers, who will be trained in data collection and the first phase of data processing. The consultancy will focus on designing the research protocol and the data collection tools, collecting online and face-to-face data, analysing and triangulating findings.

There are three phases for this exercise:

• Phase I: Desk review of existing literature and studies in the region and tools development / adaptation from existing question banks. It includes information about socio-behavioural determinants of migration and the situation around the Ukrainian crisis and as well as other migration flows crises.
• Phase II: Field study through online or face-to-face surveys and key informant interviews. For this face the idea is to include National Society volunteers to conduct the survey, the focus group discussions, and the key informant Interviews.This will include training for volunteers in data collection using different methodologies. The consultant will be expected to develop this brief training.
• Phase III: Data analysis, consultations, consolidation, and recommendations. Translate data into actions.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

The consultant will be expected to work closely with the CEA Europe region and GVA CEA and Social Scientist specialist, defining the methodology, developing the questionnaire, developing the training for volunteers, producing the reports and the recommendations.

Desired outcome
The consultant will coordinate each stage of the study with the support of the European CEA team.

Consultancy outputs

1. Desk review report
2. Questionnaire for survey and Focus groups discussions and KIIs
3. Training In data collection for volunteers
4. Report early findings.
5. Final report
6. Executive summary
7. PPT of the report

Requirements:
• Presentation of Curriculum Vitae highlighting similar studies carried out.
• Technical proposal with timetable
• Economic proposal

Note:

• The consultant will be contracted by the IFRC, and the standard contractual terms will apply.
• Travel is expected as part of this consultancy.